Volumetric trucks

Meeting:

MQT on 2017-12-14

Session date:

December 14, 2017

Reference:

2017/5085

Question By:

Leonie Cooper

Organisation:

Labour Group

Asked Of:

The Mayor

Question

Is the Mayor aware that there are up to 250 vehicles called volumetric concrete mixers using roads in London which are relatively unregulated in that, unlike the more familiar concrete mixers with rotating drums, their drivers do not have to adhere to HGV drivers hours limits, the vehicles do not have to meet HGV weight limits and are substantially overweight, and these operators do not require HGV Operator's Licences?

Answer

I am aware of the issues relating to volumetric mixers. They, along with a wider range of other specialist vehicles such as mobile cranes, are treated in legislation as Specialised Heavy Vehicles, leading to exemptions from the aspects of regulations you note.

Standard large construction vehicles that are not exempt from these regulations are some of the most dangerous vehicles on London's roads. The fact that volumetric mixers, which have the same physical characteristics, should be less tightly regulated on vehicle standards and operator licencing is clearly unsatisfactory.

I am aware that in 2015, the Department for Transport consulted on the regulation of these vehicles - both physical roadworthiness and driver licensing - and published the consultation results in September 2017. On 14 December, the Department for Transport announced it was proposing that volumetric mixers would also require Operator Licences. This is a victory for all those who have campaigned for this change, including many in the construction industry, and endorsement of our Vision Zero approach to reducing road danger.